Easy Pocket Cloth Diaper Tutorial

There are so many different cloth diapering systems out there. With all the AIO, pocket, AI2, hybrid, prefold, flat cover, fitted methods that are available it may be difficult to decide which ones you would like to mix into your own stash. If you’re like me then you’ve probably come to love certain fabrics over other for diapers as well. These two things are what led me to making a lot of my own diapers. I can mix and match the features I like from different diapers to make diapers that work well for my specific ladybug.

I’m hoping to be able to provide a tutorial every week for the next few weeks for making a different style of cloth diaper. The pattern & tutorial here are meant to make a basic pocket style cloth diaper and I’ll explain as we go where all your options are.

Easy Pocket Cloth Diaper Tutorial

Outer fabric -PUL- You can buy this by the yard or get pre-packaged PUL from Babyville Boutique. I love their prints!
–You can also choose to do a hidden PUL with a knit, minkee, or cotton outer print.

Cut out 1 pattern piece in your lining fabric and PUL (also the outer fabric if you’re choosing that route). *For the rest of the tutorial I’m not going to mention the optional outer fabric but just keep it layered on top of the PUL.

Sew strip of velcro across the front on the outside of the PUL. (The non-shiny side)

Place fabrics right sides together and pin around edges. Because the PUL is waterproof you want to be very careful about keeping the pins along the very edge of the fabric. You want to keep the number of holes you have to poke to a minimum.

Leave the extra tab you cut for the elastic casing open.

Sew 1/4″ around edges leaving back elastic flap open. For the tutorial diaper I used a PUL and a cotton velour fabric by request. I had to slow down quite a bit when I was sewing because the velour wanted to move around so much. I also found that if I faced my PUL up while sewing that the velour bunched less. On some machines you may need to use a piece of scotch tape on the presser foot to keep the PUL from sticking.

Use the X marks on the pattern to determine where to stitch your leg elastic. Only stitch the 3/8″ on the very ends.

The diaper will kind of bunch up like this when you lay it flat.

Turn right side out and your diaper will look like this. Don’t worry, you’re almost done and it’s starting to take shape as a diaper now. =)

Next thing you will want to do is fold the back elastic flap in and stitch in place. *If you’re using a fabric known for fraying, be sure to zig zag the rough edges before folding in to make the casing.

Here is where you get to make the choice of whether or not you want to topstich the entire diaper. this diaper in particular I didn’t need to because I’m making a dozen and the mama needs them quick. (Her little man is trying to come early.) She told me not to worry about it so because of the velour, I’m taking her pass and just making the leg casing. Begin stitching just above where elastic starts and sew 3/8″ – 3/4″ casing. This allows the elastic to bunch.

Stitch one end of back elastic at one end of PUL back casing. Pull through with safety pin and stitch down. Repeat with the inner fabric.

You’ve almost got yourself a diaper now.

Sew on your laundry tabs. *You’ll notice I rounded the edges on mine. These diapers in particular will be for a new baby so I wanted to take precaution. Pay attention to where you place the hook tape and the loop tape. Your loop tape serves only as a laundry tab and you’ll need the hook or scratchy part to be able to close the diaper.

From the outside.

When you do your laundry just put your sticky tabs like so on the laundry tabs to avoid snagging and pilling.

These tiny little diapers have me wanting another little one just so I can make a newborn stash. Lol.

With a tutorial this easy why not make yourself a few new pocket diapers with fabric combinations you’ve always lusted after?? Making diapers myself gives me a feel for that style of diaper and helps me decide which I want to actually buy some of and which just don’t work for our ladybug.

brilliant!!! I’ve got some PUL coming in the post this week tro make wraps. I bought them last time, but because they were washed so much with number 1. I’m making some new for number 2. (I have 2 weeks before she’s due – nothing like the last mionute!) and getting brave and doing it myself. fingers crossed!

Just a few thoughts: 1st if you use cotton as an outer layer, there will be more wicking, which is fine, but just something to be aware of so you can make sure to change the diapers more often so there aren’t any leaking issues. Any polyester or minky won’t cause those issues. 2nd, velcro will work fine, but if you can get your hands on some Touch Tape or Aplix, it will last a LOT longer, or if you have a KAM snap press or pliers you can use snaps for closure. LOVE making my own diapers, it’s saved us SO much money!! We used my niece’s old t-shirts to make a bunch of newborn fitted diapers, and with a few covers we saved over $100 in my daughter’s first 2 weeks of life (she goes A LOT!!)

I used PUL for the outer layer with a velour inner because I was making these for a mama in need (I don’t make them to sell)and these were the fabrics she had shipped to me. Due to cost, she chose velcro. I personally like the snaps and I use the snap pliers you’re talking about. Thanks for your added input!

Those looks awesome. For some reason I could never make a really good diaper for my little girl ( and trust me I did try a lot of times).I hope you won’t mind if I link to your tutorial with one of the pics from your tutorial. I’ll credit it to you of course.